And Lancaster says the form of the Saints duo have been key as they edged out strong rivals for their respective positions.

“Form has always been the overriding factor in selection for me,” he said. “This is Lee’s 10th cap now in 18 internationals I’ve been involved in and at the start of the season he’s the one who’s really shone.

“It’s a difficult decision because we’ve got quality scrum-halves in Ben Youngs and Danny Care but on form alone Lee Dickson edges it.

“It’s quite a simplistic formula. Where you’ve got people competing side by side, we had a good look at the start of the Premiership and to be picked for this England team you’ve got to be playing well.

“Second row is also a case in point and it’s hard to argue that Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury don’t deserve a chance.

“It’s time for Courtney to come in and show his leadership in the lineout.”

Dylan Hartley and Ben Foden will be on the bench for the first of England’s three November internationals, but Alex Corbisiero misses out with a knee injury.